What can architecture tell us about this culture/society?
Madrid is a classic example of fusion between traditional and modern architecture in a city. It is the home of many stunning monuments and classic Spanish homes alongside recently built high-rises. The general array of architecture in Madrid gives the city a proud-looking, stately character, showing immediately it is a highly-developed country with a rich history. Some of the notable landmarks include the Teatro Royal and the recently restored 19th century opera house. The National Library is also a mentionable building as it is a classic example of the quality and beauty of Spanish architecture. The streets and suburbs are mostly historic but the city possesses many examples of contemporary and interesting architecture. Throughout history Spain's monarchical dynasties shifted from Flanders to Austria to France, and as this happened so did the architectural styles that shaped every period. Over the years, the city absorbed foreign influences and adapted them, often to an austere Catholic aesthetic. This reveals the importance of Catholicism in Madrid throughout history and the influence the Church had on architecture. Not much remains of the architecture built before Madrid became the capital of Spain. This is because it was a small, unimportant town previous to Phillip II moving his court there. This shows how much of a significant event Madrid becoming Spain's capital was in the city's history. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Madrid architecture became more ornate under the Bourbon Dynasty. This is due to the French and Italian influences at the time. The most important figure in Madrid's architectural history was King Charles III. Charles knew that compared to many other great European capitals, Madrid was not very architecturally stimulating. Therefore, he aimed to raise Madrid's status by expanding the city, to hold the great Enlightenment Institutions: the Museum of Natural Sciences, the Astronomical Observatory and the Botanical Gardens. Many other notable buildings, including the Royal Theatre were also built. The destruction during the Civil War in the 1930's and fascist monstrosity leaves little worth mentioning until the democracy returned in 1975. Modern Madrid is defined by the Puerta de Europa, a pair of inclined towers at Plaza de Castilla, and the elegant, white Torre Picasso. The Reina Sofia Museum has also been painted a glossy red colour recently, as seen in the above image.